But he said it was difficult legally to "blacklist" developers found to have flouted building regulations, as they could re-establish new companies to avoid being penalised.

The comments come amid concern about fire safety in apartment complexes across the country, including Longboat Quay in Dublin.

"I think there's problems in every county in Ireland," he said. "I think that's an issue which warrants attention. Legally, it is a very difficult space.

"If a company designs certain buildings and we decide we're going to blacklist, another company can be set up. How can you get around this? But I am in the spirit and space to do something about this."